« | Proverbs 23 | » |
1 When you sit down to eat with a ruler, think about what is in front of you.
2 Put a knife to your neck if you are a man who is given to much eating.
3 Do not desire his special foods, for they are put there for no good reason.
4 Do not work hard to be rich. Stop trying to get things for yourself.
5 When you set your eyes upon it, it is gone. For sure, riches make themselves wings like an eagle that flies toward the heavens.
6 Do not eat the bread of a man who thinks only about himself. Do not have a desire for his fine food.
7 For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. He says to you, "Eat and drink!" But his heart is not with you.
8 You will spit up the piece of food you have eaten, and waste your good words.
9 Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will hate the wisdom of your words.
10 Do not take away the old landmark, or go into the fields of those without a father.
11 For the One Who saves them is strong. He will stand by them and give them help against you.
12 Open your heart to teaching, and your ears to words of much learning.
13 Do not keep from punishing the child if he needs it. If you beat him with the stick, he will not die.
14 Beat him with the stick, and save his soul from hell.
15 My son, if your heart is wise, my own heart will be glad also.
16 My heart will be full of joy when your lips speak what is right.
17 Do not let your heart be jealous of sinners, but live in the fear of the Lord always.
18 For sure there is a future and your hope will not be cut off.
19 Listen, my son, and be wise. Lead your heart in the way.
20 Do not be with those who drink too much wine or eat too much meat.
21 For the man who drinks too much or eats too much will become poor, and much sleep will dress a man in torn clothes.
22 Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not hate your mother when she is old.
23 Buy truth, and do not sell it. Get wisdom and teaching and understanding.
24 The father of one who is right with God will have much joy. He who has a wise son will be glad in him.
25 Let your father and mother be glad, and let her who gave birth to you be full of joy.
26 Give me your heart, my son. Let your eyes find joy in my ways.
27 For a woman who sells the use of her body is like a deep hole. A sinful woman is a narrow well.
28 She lies in wait as a robber, and makes many more men not faithful.
29 Who has trouble? Who has sorrow? Who is fighting? Who is complaining? Who is hurt without a reason? Who has eyes that have become red?
30 Those who stay a long time over wine. Those who go to taste mixed wine.
31 Do not look at wine when it is red, when it shines in the cup, when it is smooth in going down.
32 In the end it bites like a snake. It stings like the bite of a snake with poison.
33 Your eyes will see strange things. Your mind will say the wrong things.
34 And you will be like one who lies down in the center of the sea, or like one who lies above a ship's sail.
35 "They hit me, but I was not hurt. They beat me, but I did not know it. When will I wake up? I will look for another drink."
The New Life Version (NLV)
The New Life Version (NLV) is a unique English translation of the Bible designed to be exceptionally easy to read and understand. First published in 1969, the NLV was created by Gleason Ledyard, a missionary and linguist, to make the Scriptures accessible to people who have limited English proficiency or are new to the language. Ledyard’s aim was to provide a Bible that even those with minimal education could read and comprehend, thus opening the door for a wider audience to engage with the biblical texts.
A defining characteristic of the New Life Version is its use of a limited vocabulary of about 850 basic English words, along with some necessary theological terms. This restricted vocabulary ensures that the language remains simple and straightforward, making the text accessible to young readers, new Christians, and those for whom English is a second language. The translators also avoided idiomatic expressions and complex sentence structures, further enhancing clarity and understanding. This makes the NLV a particularly valuable resource for educational and missionary work.
The NLV also emphasizes faithfulness to the original texts, despite its simplified language. The translation aims to maintain the integrity and message of the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts. By carefully choosing words that accurately convey the meaning of the original texts while ensuring simplicity, the NLV provides a balance between accessibility and fidelity. Additionally, the NLV includes explanatory footnotes and cross-references that help readers understand the context and deeper meanings of the passages, making it a useful tool for both personal study and group teaching.
However, the New Life Version is not without its critics. Some scholars and traditionalists argue that the limited vocabulary and simplified language can lead to a loss of nuance and depth found in the original texts. They suggest that the NLV’s focus on simplicity may sometimes oversimplify complex theological concepts. Despite these criticisms, the New Life Version remains a valuable translation for its intended audience, offering a clear and approachable rendition of the Bible that helps a wide range of readers engage with the Scriptures and grow in their faith.